Diary of a fallen idol
Not so long ago Phumlani ‘BMX’ Mkhize was a celebrated soccer star; today he ekes out the bare bones of a living begging in the streets. He tells Bareng-Batho Kortjaas that his tragic fall is a lesson for all.
He grovels, with his right hand raised and waving just above his head as the car approaches... and as soon as it comes to a halt, he greets politely (as always) before asking for money to buy food. "Ngicela amasentshana bafo ngilambile ngifuna ukuthola okuy'ethunjini. (Can I please have some loose change, my brother, I'm hungry, I need to buy food)." Begging on the streets has become synonymous with Phumlani "BMX" Mkhize, the former Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and African Wanderers striker. Just over a decade ago he was the pride of Wembezi, a poverty-stricken township outside Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands. This is where he grew up before setting the South African top soccer league alight with his goal-scoring prowess...
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